Edmonton 
A wild soapbox derby is coming to Edmonton this summer.
Welcoming the summer festival season, Queen Elizabeth Park Road will host the thrilling Red Bull Soapbox Race on June 22, where the most daring and imaginative teams will compete in a unique racing challenge.
An event that has carved a niche for itself since its inception in 2000, it beckons the brave, the bold, and the creative to put their ingenuity and daring to the test.
Participation is open to teams of up to five members, who will perform a skit before launching their soapbox down the obstacle-laden course, aiming for the fastest time while navigating their craft with precision.
The event, which began in 2000, emphasizes creativity, with vehicles displaying a wide range of themes and innovative designs. There’s no entry fee, but teams are responsible for their costs, including construction and travel. Approximately 60 teams will have the chance to compete, judged on their vehicle’s design, a pre-race performance, and their overall showmanship, alongside special awards like People’s Choice and Fastest Speed.
The soapboxes, required to be powered solely by gravity, must adhere to specific dimensions and safety standards, including effective brakes and steering.
The event not only promises a day of fun and excitement for both participants and spectators but also poses a thrilling challenge with its inherent risks on a downhill course.
Interested teams can apply online by March 27, 2024, with the selection process including a submission of their soapbox design sketch. Selected teams will then enter a building phase to bring their vision to life, culminating in a race that tests both their creative and racing mettle.
